Billionaire benefactor Andrew Carnegie's legacy lives on in Wales

Andrew Carnegie, once the richest man in the world, valued community and education and after selling his steel empire in 1901, shared his wealth with the public and his legacy is still improving people's lives

Andrew Carnegie. The multi-billionaire benefactor shared his wealth with the public and the Carnegie UK Trust celebrates its centenary this year

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He’s the 20th century multi-billionaire benefactor who shared his wealth to provide access to education and knowledge with people across the UK.

Scots-born tycoon Andrew Carnegie was once the richest man in the world, but above all else he valued community and education.

Having sold his steel empire in 1901 and with his $480m fortune – worth around $100bn today – he spent the remainder of his life investing in improving people’s lives.

His legacy is still very much felt in Wales today, with the hundreds of libraries set up across the UK, including more than 30 in Wales, like those in Cardiff, Abergavenny, Aberystwyth, Bangor, Barry, Neath Port Talbot, and Wrexham.

The Carnegie UK Trust, which celebrates its centenary this year, was established, and is still funded by the $10m worth of steel bonds it was given in 1913.

Since that time, as well creating libraries, village halls and playing fields, the Trust has over the past century also provided support for youth hostels education and community projects.

The Trust provided the initial funding for Coleg Harlech in Gwynedd, set up in 1926 for adult education, and provided funding for what was the Council for Social Services in Wales for several decades.

Now calls are being made to celebrate the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie in Wales and the efforts of the Trust in his name.

Liz Macdonald, of the Carnegie UK Trust, said Carnegie was especially passionate about libraries. “His family emigrated to America when he was 12 and as soon as he got there he had to start earning a living.

“When he was in Pittsburgh there was somebody running a private library that allowed him to use it.

“He understood the importance of libraries but he wanted to make them available to everybody. He wanted to give people the chance to improve themselves and their opportunities in life.”

Like many business leaders, Carnegie amassed his wealth with the help of low-paid labour.

During the Homestead Steel Strike, workers demanding a raise asked what good books were when they worked 12-hour days, six days a week.

Carnegie replied: “If I had raised your wages, you would have spent that money by buying a better cut of meat or more drink for your dinner. But what you needed, though you didn’t know it, was libraries and concert halls. And that’s what I’m giving to you.”

Ms Macdonald said as time went by Carnegie set up institutions to take forward his work.

“The Trust has a very broad remit, to ‘promote the wellbeing of the masses in the UK and Ireland’.

Recent research by the Trust shows that people in Wales still love libraries, with more than three-quarters (77%) believing that they are either very important or essential to their community.

Former Welsh Government Heritage Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM has suggested an exhibition is held in the National Assembly to celebrate the Carnegie legacy.

The Carmarthen East and Dinefwr Assembly Member said: “Carnegie has left a tremendous legacy in communities the length and breadth of Wales.

“In today’s economic climate, local libraries are first in line for funding cuts when they should, I believe, be provided as much financial security as possible given the significant importance they hold in society.

“I would like to see an exhibition in the National Assembly as a recognition and appreciation of Carnegie and the cultural importance of his legacy.”